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Winemaker's Notes

The harvest of 2005 was slow and steady, the result of moderate temperatures and ideal ripening conditions in the Anderson Valley. Overall quality was exceptional as the Pinot Noir grapes were able to be harvested block by block at near perfection. Small lot winemaking techniques add layers of structure to Migration, which highlight the depth and complexity of the 2005 vintage.

This medium-bodied wine has bright fruit complemented by ripe and broad tannins that provide great balance and a lengthy finish. The aroma features blueberry, plum, strawberry pie, and toasted oak. The flavors are focused and follow through with ripe strawberry, plum, and cherry, complemented by clove. A lighter style than the Goldeneye, this wine shows the range and suppleness of the Pinot Noir varietal.

Migration Winery

Since crafting its premiere vintage of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir in 2001, Duckhorn Wine Company's Migration has earned acclaim for a refined and compelling style of winemaking that seamlessly balances vibrancy and finesse.

Building on what Migration had already achieved with Pinot Noir, making Chardonnay in a similar style became a natural next step. In 2008, Migration produced its first Chardonnay, using fruit from elite vineyard sources in the Russian River Valley. Representing the first Chardonnay in Duckhorn Wine Company's 30-year history, this highly anticipated wine was released in the spring of 2010, and along with the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, will form the cornerstone of the Migration portfolio.

Today, guided by winemaker Neil Bernardi — a cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay specialist — Migration has taken flight. Defined by the idea of movement, Migration is dedicated to going beyond its original home and exploring Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from California's finest cool-climate appellations. "Traditionally at Duckhorn Wine Company," says Neil, "the character of a particular wine is deeply connected to a specific place or region. Migration offers a different paradigm. We are starting with a clearly defined style and exploring how that style can be expressed in different winegrowing regions, which is a fascinating prospect."
View all Migration Wines

About North Coast

Beyond Napa and Sonoma in the north you find a couple of other counties producing great wine. Among these are Mendocino and Lake County. The northernmost California winegrowing regions, these two counties are right above Napa and Sonoma, geographically. Yet, wine-wise they are very different – both from their southern neighbors and from each other.

Notable Facts

Mendocino has a high amount of organic vintners and vines. The first winery to settle here was Fetzer, which practices organic viticulture and holds some of the most vineyard land in the area. Mendocino has many pockets of micro-climates while Lake County, being smaller in size, is less diverse climactically. As for the grapes, Chardonnay is the most popular in both counties, but there are also some excellent Sauvignon Blancs, particularly in the Lake County. In red wine, Zinfandel leads the way, followed by Rhone Blends and Petite Sirah. The reds in both counties are complex and sumptuous. Anderson Valley is a sub-AVA of Mendicino and is quite well known for its excellent cool climate, producing the delicious Roederer Estate sparkling wines and some wonderful cool-climate Syrah.

About California

It's not rare to see a wine's country of origin listed as "California." A country into itself in the wine world, California makes enough varieties and styles to match many European wine countries. It produces a diverse range of wines that span the quality spectrum.

The most famous of the California wine regions is Napa Valley, and these wines are certainly outstanding – but it's not as broad and diverse as its larger neighbor, Sonoma County. Down south, Santa Barbara's Santa Maria Valley is well-known for its Rhône blends, as well as cool-climate varieties like Pinot and Chardonnay. The Central Coast, the largest California AVA, has many different microclimates that lead to a wide range of wines with many sub-AVAs.

Customer Reviews

1 rating, 1 with review

Wow, This pinot blew my brain the first sip that I tasted. I cooled to 68 cold degree and then I was surprised how beautiful this red and soft and very tender wine tasted in my mouth. It has a good balance and it will drink it in a summer time

This wine, named after Jim Clendenen's son Knox Alexander, represents only the finest lots of Pinot Noir from Le Bon
Climat or Bien Nacido Vineyards. These two vineyards, separated by the Sisquoc River, produce really distinctive Pinot Noir. Both vineyards ...

The Pinot Noir made with grapes harvested from a Napa Valley Carneros vineyard has a medium ruby color and aromas
of briary strawberry and raspberry preserves. Subtle hints of vanilla give way to a lush, silky palate with more bright ...

The dark brick hue of this wine prophesizes deep flavors that are sure to satiate the most fanatical of pinot
pundits. Aromas of candied bing cherries, brown sugar and spice suggests that this wine is all pinot noir, but on ...

Alcohol By Volume Guide

Most wine ranges from 10-16% alcohol by volume. Some varietals tend to have higher (for example Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon) or lower alcohol levels (Pinot Noir and many white varietals), but there is always some variation from producer to producer. Some wine falls outside of this range, for instance Port weighs in closer to 20%, while Muscat and Riesling are usually a bit below 10%.

Wine Style Guide

Light & Crisp

Light to medium bodied wines that are high in acid and light to medium fruit. Typically no oak.